The Gambia Launches National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security
Group Photo © UNDP
By Rohey Samba
The Ministry of Youth and Sports presided over the launch of the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security on 11th February 2025 during an opening ceremony attended by dignitaries, ambassadors, and representatives from development partners at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie; the German Ambassador to The Gambia, Klaus Botzet; the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Karl Frederick Paul; the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Mandisa Mashologu; and the UNFPA Country Representative, Ms. Ndey Rose Sarr.
Highlighting the significance of the launch, UNFPA Country Representative Ndeye Rose Sarr said, “Young people play a vital role in peacebuilding and national stability.” She noted that “over 2,000 voices [including] young women and young men participated in this action plan." She added that "the plan invested in training, ensuring that local governments, community leaders, and civil society actors are not just aware but deeply engaged in preparing a visible and Peace Security agenda.”
Group Photo of Launch © UNDP
The National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security seeks to enhance youth involvement in promoting peace, preventing conflict, and contributing to national stability, in line with the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2250, which recognises the youth’s active role in peacebuilding, justice, and reconciliation.
UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Mashologu emphasised the importance of national ownership and stakeholder collaboration in implementing the plan. She highlighted that “this is an important achievement which demonstrates the Gambia’s commitment to unlock the transformative power of younger people building sustainable peace and development together with the national plan as echoed in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, which urges member states to give young people a greater voice in decision-making at all levels, especially where matters of peace and security are concerned.”
Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Karl Frederick Paul, called on young people to move from commitment to action, saying that “this national action plan builds a bond and formalises their demonstrated capacity for leadership and positive change.” He added that “what makes this plan truly exceptional is its inclusive approach, the participation of representatives from all regions of the Gambia.”
Minister for Youth and Sports Hon Badjie © UNDP
The Gambia’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, reiterated the government’s dedication to youth engagement in peacebuilding. He noted that “with over three quarters of the population under the age of thirty-five, The Gambia is blessed with a vibrant majority youth whose passion transcends our country's path forward in maintaining peace and facilitating development.”
The Gambia now becomes the sixth country in the world to develop a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security. The plan serves as a blueprint to guide youth engagement in peacebuilding and sustainable development while reinforcing stakeholder commitment to its effective implementation.
